Guardian: 'Snowden revelations 'prompted a debate'

Following criticism of the Guardian publishing details of secret documents leaked by former NSA worker Edward Snowden as handing "a gift to terrorists", a spokeswoman said:

A huge number of people - from President Obama to the US director of national intelligence, James Clapper - have now conceded that the Snowden revelations have prompted a debate which was both necessary and overdue.

The President has even set up a review panel and there have been vigorous discussions in the US Congress and throughout Europe. Such a debate is only worthwhile if it is informed. That is what journalism should do."